What is Aiding and Abetting?

Simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time is not a crime. Under most circumstances if you are present at the scene of a crime or even have knowledge that a crime is being committed, you cannot be convicted as part of that crime. However, there are a series of principles regarding criminal liability that can be applied to people who have knowledge about a crime without actually participating in it.

For example, you can be charged with the felony crime of misprision if you have prior knowledge that a crime is going to be committed and don't report that crime to authorities. You can also be charged with being an accessory after the fact if you take in or assist a criminal after a crime has been committed, thereby hindering officers in apprehending that person. Likewise, you can be charged with aiding and abetting if you help another person commit a crime in any number of ways.

However, simply witnessing a crime and not doing anything to stop it is not itself a criminal act.

Were you recently arrested for aiding and abetting? Contact a Tampa aiding and abetting attorney from our law office now to learn how you can fight your charges. Our Tampa criminal defense lawyers are ready to inform you of your rights and will stand by your side throughout the legal process.